Prime Time goes to the beach! Here are some summery suggestions for fun days of swimming, camping or picnicking.

Lassie, come home

Using satellite technology, the RoamEO Pet Location System lets pet owners keep track of up to three pooches. Connected to a GPS-enabled dog collar, the cell phone-size receiver's color screen gives peace of mind if you take your pup on trips. It can even be set up for alerts if your dog strays off your property. Mind now, this doesn't let you off the hook for Fluffy's daily walk.

RoamEO pet locator, $419, includes RoamEO locator with color LCD, one GPS collar and AC adapters; $159 for each additional collar and AC adapter.

Available online at www.roameoforpets.com or at Amazon.com or by phone at (888) 4-RoamEO

Chill out

When summer finally comes to Whatcom County, we all try to pack in as much hiking/biking/swimming/boating/picnicking as possible. So this sturdy cooler, with built-in cupholders and a channel setup for no-tilt draining, comes in mighty handy. Its large wheels make it easy to roll to a picnic table at Cornwall Park or the bleachers at the Geri 2 softball field.

Coleman 50-quart Ultimate Xtreme Cooler, $49.99.

Yeager's Sporting Goods
3101 Northwest Ave., 733-1080

Spell bound

Until they come out with Scrabble for the Wii, here's our contact sport of choice. This deluxe version with extra spaces, points and tiles will have you minding your P's and Q's to the Nth (got consonants?) degree. The rotating game board and raised grid spaces that hold tiles securely are great for campers or RVs.

Super Scrabble Deluxe Edition, $49.95.

Fairhaven Toy Garden
1147 11th St., 714-8552,
www.fairhaventoygarden.com

Nostalgia notes

No comic strip captures family foibles and fun like Lynn Johnston's beloved "For Better or For Worse." Pack this collection to the beach — or your backyard hammock — and settle in for laughs about growing old, parenthood and staying together through everything life throws at you. We're all programmed for built-in obsolescence, but Johnson makes it a joyful journey.

"Seniors' Discount: A For Better or For Worse Collection" by Lynn Johnston, $12.95.

Village Books
1200 11th St., 671-2626,
www.villagebooks.com

Dive, she said

Sporty but modestly cut, these shorts are easy to throw on over a bathing suit at the beach or pool. Made of comfy stretch fabric in a durable water-resistant finish, they'll stand up to chlorine and sand. With a handy zip pocket, you're set for a day with the grandkids at the Birch Bay Waterslides.

North Face The Deep End Water swim shorts, $45.

Sportsman Chalet
114 W. Holly St., 671-1044